The Autosport International at the Birmingham Exhibition Centre has seen Autodelta's ultimate hot hatch, the 328bhp Autodelta Alfa Romeo 147 GTA make its second major public appearance. Less than a month since the 3.7-litre Autodelta 147 GTA made its way into our consciousness when it was first unveiled at the MPH03 Motor Show in Earl’s Court, London, Autodelta's latest creation is back in the public eye.

The stunning red rocket has drawn a lot of interest over the four days of the show as the new car has stood out and held its own at an exhibition that showcases all the best of racing and performance cars around. With the Autodelta stand situated opposite the entrance to the show's centrepiece 'Galleria Ferrari' exhibition, the 147 GTA adds even more Italian red to this area of the NEC.

Autodelta boss Jano Djelalian and his close knit team are clearly delighted with the response. "It really was a last minute decision to come here, as the car was only finished a month ago and a lot of effort has had to be put in. But its been worth it! We feel the car belongs here and visitors have been very positive and interested in the whole project."

Based on the quickest hot-hatch developed by Alfa Romeo to date, the Autodelta Alfa 147 GTA is the result of extensive mechanical modifications to the current standard model, in order to enhance the latter’s sporty character.

Autodelta’s Alfa 147 GTA is powered by a bored-out version of the existing 3.2 V6 unit, with engine capacity now up to 3750cc, delivering 328bhp at 7300rpm and capable of reaching 175mph. New steel billet camshafts, a Ferrari-derived larger throttle and suitable re-mapping of the engine all quicken driving response and help achieve performance levels not found in any other current sports hatchback.       

A bespoke stainless exhaust system, with new manifolds at the front and quadruple tailpipes at the back give the new engine a wide breathing range: 260lb ft of torque at 4700rpm are at the driver’s disposal, and the rev redline stops just short of 8000rpm.     

A limited slip differential (with 30% progressive lock) has been added to the package – the standard Alfa Romeo 147 GTA does without it – to help transform the extra power into tarmac-gripping performance via a new, stronger clutch, and custom-built 7.5 x 18” light alloy wheels wearing 225/40 tyres. They have also upgraded the suspension set-up, with uprated bushes, height-adjustable dampers with new coil springs and revised geometry settings for maximum body control. Meanwhile stronger, heat-treated brake discs with special compound pads have been added to cope with the extra power.

Autodelta’s own styling and manufacturing arm Creativestudio, has given Autodelta Alfa Romeo 147 GTA a new, distinctive and even sportier look by adding a specially designed lightweight bonnet complete with air vents. The rear bumper, now housing a quad tailpipe exhaust, has undergone more substantial changes. The 147 GTA is strictly customer-built, and each vehicle will have its own plaque carrying the serial number.